March 13, 2013

And then there were 5…

While most states, and our nation itself, are restricting carry in ever larger numbers because of the Newtown tragedy, Utah bucks the trend and thumbs its nose. It looks like the United States is climbing to 5 for the number of states that do not require a permit for concealing a firearm in public. Utah appears to have passed HB0076 by a significant margin. So significant that it’s veto proof! In the House, 50 Yeas are required to avoid a veto by the governor. We got 51 yeas. In the Senate, 20 yeas are required and we got 22.

I’m still hesitant to call it Constitutional Carry because the law still prevents you from carrying loaded until you have your permit or are not on a public street, but this does qualify under the criteria on permitless concealment.

We do still offer a Concealed Firearm Permit, of which I’m an instructor, but it now gets you loaded carry and avoidance of school zones.

The governor still has to sign the bill, but if he refuses to sign it, it merely goes back for a final reading.